The square-shouldered 14-fret dreadnought is easily the most popular acoustic guitar design in the world, yet somehow Collings brings this iconic template to a totally new level. With tonal clarity to match the warmth and depth of the dreadnought, the Collings D2H is cutting, robust, and powerful, but it also remains sweet and subtle when you want it to be.
Since Collings started production in 1992, the D2H has been a mainstay of the Collings line—and for good reason, too! The D2H is a guitar that seems to do everything well. This 1997 Collings D2H (serial #3241) has been played-in nicely, and it's amazing to see what a Collings sounds like after it gets some age. At 25 years old, this D2H is already delivering some of the nuanced character we love about vintage guitars.
This '97 D2H has been played over the years, and it shows it, too. The worst of it is a scuff on the treble side along the shoulder, and also on the bass side of the top near upper bout edge (see photos). On the bridge, you can spy a cosmetic surface crack running in between some of the pin holes, but the bridge still functions as it should and the saddle has plenty of height left. Apart from the wear and tear, this D2H finds us in really nice shape with a ripping set up. The frets are clean and notes ring clear and true up and down the fingerboard.
This 1997 D2H packs a loud, powerful voice. This would be an excellent guitar in a bluegrass band, but truly it can handle any genre or playing style. From a sound perspective, it's impressive to hear a Collings that has broken in with time. If this one sounds this rich and full after 25 years, imagine how it will sound 25 years from now! It includes its original TKL case, which is stickered but in good condition.